I think R/T are massively over-scored in Russian events. There is no way they are so close to I/K and B/S as national scores showed. I/K an B/S posted scores around 97(FD) this season and around 65(SD). R/T didn't scored over 60 in the SD and didn't even make it to 90 in the FD.(around 86 or 87 I believe). They usually have technical issues and almost never get the levels. All level 4 in RN was suspicious and the GOE was insane. Baring any big mistakes from I/K, R/T will not challenge I/K for the podium IMO. With Victoria and Ruslan on the other hand, considering their rapid improvement, there would be another story but I don't see R/T loosing the third place in the team any time soon. I/K beat B/S on PCS both in GPF and Russian Nationals FD. They can challenge and even beat B/S at worlds. R/T won't beat them internationally unless a meltdown happens.

I think R/T are massively over-scored in Russian events. There is no way they are so close to I/K and B/S as national scores showed. I/K an B/S posted scores around 97(FD) this season and around 65(SD). R/T didn't scored over 60 in the SD and didn't even make it to 90 in the FD.(around 86 or 87 I believe). They usually have technical issues and almost never get the levels. All level 4 in RN was suspicious and the GOE was insane. Baring any big mistakes from I/K, R/T will not challenge I/K for the podium IMO. With Victoria and Ruslan on the other hand, considering their rapid improvement, there would be another story but I don't see R/T loosing the third place in the team any time soon. I/K beat B/S on PCS both in GPF and Russian Nationals FD. They can challenge and even beat B/S at worlds. R/T won't beat them internationally unless a meltdown happens.

though R/T were indeed overscored at nationals especially at the FD
its not like I/K and B/S have consistent levels they are are still a bit inconsistent
still R/T should be safe going to Worlds and should make the Olympics team ,S/Z wont challenge for now, they are a bit going backwards with kustarova
their only competition will be the junior talents S/B who will be seniors next season, if politics play they could send S/B as Rus No.3 , also Bukin being a son of Ice Dance Olympic Champions

Somehow glad it's not something serious(and that it's not about her since I remember she had some health issues later).
This is sad news, I was looking forward to see them go against both S/S and V/T since I feel they closed the gap a bit lately.
But I can't wait to see S/K interesting programs once again, especially that SP, it's one of the best pair SP of the season and it's bad enough we probably won't be seeing them at worlds

^
It's a problem - if nation has more than three excellent skaners/couples, we can not see them all at ISU Championships.

I believe, it would be good - if sum of three places not higher than 10 (only one nation may have this result), national team has 4 spots.

I agree. Heck 4 spots will still be far from enough for the Japanese men for instance. I understand the logic between the 3 spots maximum but there is something wrong when national events are more competitive than international ISU big events( like russian nationals for pairs and Japanese men event)
I'm crossing my fingers for Yuri to get well for worlds